Evelyn and Mabel,
I write to you this afternoon during a time of rest. Evie, you're playing one of Dad's videogames and Mabel, you're sleeping peacefully in my bed, snuggled up under all the blankets even though its almost seventy degrees outside. Our new cat Pepper is curled up between my arms, making every attempt to interrupt this letter to you. But I'm sure she means no harm. :)
We have now lived in our new home for a few weeks and explored most of the corners of the yard as well as the house itself. You two share a room upstairs and haven't managed to keep it clean for an entire day yet, but that was why I made the upstairs room yours; I wont ever worry too much about it being messy since I don't have to be up there much.
Our days are pretty laid back, recently, as we have mostly unpacked things. We wake up, make breakfast, eat together at the table, talk about our dreams or what we would like to do today, then you two scamper off to the yard while I do the dishes, make my bed, clean up my room and the dining room, living room and kitchen and do some laundry. Then I join you out in the yard and hang the laundry while you both dig in the dirt and play with your dolls and tools. Pretty soon it's lunchtime and we once again gather at the table to nourish our bodies and our minds. You see, Evie, you like to bring a workbook and study and Mabel, you and I talk about all the questions you have in this world. And you sure do have a lot of questions.
After lunch I take the laundry down from the line and we take Sydney for a walk around the neighborhood. We mostly stick to the loop surrounding our house, but the other day we took an almost mile-long walk to the post office drop box to mail a letter and wouldn't you know it, there was a street sign that said Juniper on it! Marvelous. These are the things that make life special. Little unexpected smiles from the universe that remind you that you aren't alone.
After our walks we come home and it's back to choring for me, while you two play upstairs or back in the yard or even down in the living room. Sometimes we put the TV on so you guys will give me some dedicated time to a task, other times we sit down together to play a game, do some schoolwork or work in the garden together. Most days I start dinner before Dad gets home and then we eat together before brushing teeth, putting pajamas on, reading books and giving hugs and kisses goodnight.
The days seem long but they pass by rather quickly and I'm only keenly aware that my little baby girls are growing up so quickly. I try to take plenty of pictures to capture these moments with you both, but sometimes its better when I don't have my phone in my hand. I might be sad in the moment that it won't be something I've captured on (metaphorical) film forever, but its a golden memory in my heart.
We have baby birds in our window this Spring. They're house finches and they're so cute. I lift you each up to see them while the mama is away, but we try not to disturb them much. They'll be big enough to try to fly soon, I think. I can't wait to see that. We have a camera set up to keep an eye on them.
I don't get much time to sit down and write these days, but I hope that one day you will have this to look back and read and remember all the fun times we have and know how much I truly love you both.
Love,
Mom
